Snoring or Sleep Apnea? The Truth About Your Sleep Struggles (2025)

Mar 14, 2025 | 4 min read

Different types of snoring depend on the cause and severity:

• Nasal snoring - Blocked nasal passages from allergies, colds, or a deviated septum.
• Mouth snoring - Occurs when a person breathes through their mouth due to nasal congestion or poor muscle tone.
• Tongue-based snoring - Caused by the tongue falling back and obstructing the airway, common in people with sleep apnea.
• Throat snoring - Often the loudest type, caused by relaxed throat tissues blocking airflow, usually linked to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is classified into three main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type, where throat muscles relax and block airflow.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) - The brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome - A combination of OSA and CSA, also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.

Snoring occurs due to airway obstruction and is influenced by several factors:

• Age - Throat muscles weaken with age, making snoring more common.
• Obesity - Excess fat around the neck can restrict airflow.
• Nasal congestion - Allergies or colds can block nasal passages, forcing mouth breathing.
• Alcohol and sedatives - Relax throat muscles, increasing airway obstruction.
• Sleeping position - Sleeping on the back causes the tongue and soft tissues to collapse backward.

Sleep apnea has similar but more severe risk factors, including:

• Obesity - One of the strongest risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Family history - A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood.
• Neck circumference - A thicker neck may contribute to airway narrowing.
• Gender - Studies suggest that men are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Though risk increases in women after menopause.
• Smoking - Increases inflammation and fluid retention in the airway.

Snoring symptoms can vary in severity but typically include:

• Loud, disruptive breathing sounds during sleep.
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
• Daytime sleepiness and lack of concentration.

Sleep apnea symptoms are more serious and often include:

• Loud snoring followed by choking or gasping for air.
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (noticed by a partner).
• Frequent nighttime awakenings or insomnia.
• Morning headaches and excessive daytime fatigue.

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Sleep apnea requires a formal diagnosis, typically through:

• Polysomnography (PSG) - A sleep study that monitors breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity.
• Home sleep apnea test - A simplified test that records breathing patterns and oxygen levels. Different services help patients to get diagnosed from the comfort of their home, without visiting a sleep lab. For example, French platform SleepDoctor not only delivers a recording device but also allows patients to conduct a polysomnography exam at home.

Treatment for snoring includes lifestyle changes and medical interventions:

• Weight loss - Reducing excess weight can help open the airway.
• Changing sleep position - Sleeping on the side instead of the back can minimize snoring.
• Avoiding alcohol before bed - Alcohol relaxes throat muscles, worsening snoring.
• Nasal strips or humidifiers - Help improve airflow by opening nasal passages.

Sleep apnea requires more intensive treatment:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) - A machine that keeps airways open using air pressure.
• Oral appliances - Custom-made devices that adjust jaw position to improve breathing.
• Surgery - Used in severe cases to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw.

While snoring is usually harmless, chronic cases can lead to:

• Poor sleep quality.
• Strained relationships due to disruptive noise.
• Increased risk of high blood pressure in severe cases.

Sleep apnea has more severe complications:

• High blood pressure and heart disease.
• Increased risk of stroke and diabetes.
• Depression and memory issues due to poor sleep.

Preventing snoring involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Losing weight and exercising regularly.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
• Using a humidifier to keep airways moist.

Preventing sleep apnea requires similar strategies but may also include:

• Treating nasal congestion promptly.
• Using a CPAP machine if diagnosed with sleep apnea.
• Seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms.

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